COMMUNITY ASKED TO HELP SHAPE NSW’S KOALA STRATEGY

Submitted by Adam Marshall MP

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall is encouraging the community to help shape the direction of the NSW Government’s state-wide koala strategy, which aims to secure and increase NSW koala numbers.

 Mr Marshall said government would embark on a whole-of-government koala strategy and spend $10 million over five years to acquire vital koala habitat, following the release of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Mary O’Kane AC’s Report of the Independent Review into the Decline of Koala Populations in Key Areas of NSW.

 “The independent review, commissioned by the NSW Government in March, makes 11 recommendations, including one to develop an overarching strategy and another to identify koala habitat to target for conservation,” Mr Marshall said.

 “The next step in developing the state-wide strategy is getting communities involved to help shape the plan to secure this iconic species for all future generations.

 “The strategy will help us reduce threats to koalas and improve research to ensure the survival of the species.”

 A three-month consultation program will include regional community information sessions, stakeholder meetings and webinars. People will also be able to access a web portal for information and to provide feedback.

 Environment Minister Mark Speakman said the strategy would also complement the koala conservation work already being done under the NSW Government’s flagship $100 million Saving our Species program. This work includes projects which improve koala habitat and trial artificial water sources for koalas to mitigate heat stress.

 “It’s important for communities, especially those with local koala populations, to get involved in local information sessions so we can secure and eventually increase koala populations across NSW,” Mr Speakman said.

 To comment on the strategy’s direction visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/nsw-koala-strategy.htm and to find out more about the NSW Government’s koala conservation efforts through the Saving our Species program visit

www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/ProposedPASAmendments.htm